Most Americans feel disempowered by world events that spin around us every day. What can we really do about it? Will speaking up actually do anything?
Lauren LoGiudice, a NYC actor, comedian, and character chameleon, uses comedy to give you a buoy in the storm. In her new series Mary Poppins TAKES ON U.S. Education she takes back her voice and agency and encourages followers to do the same.
The series follows Mary Poppins as she encounters the problems of our education system. It was born out of LoGiudice’s experience working as a high school science teacher in Oakland, California. “Our classroom flooded every time it flooded and the cabinet was filled with expired chemicals.”
After a few years she defected to NYC to become an actor. To make ends meet she became a substitute teacher in some of the city’s wealthiest private schools.
“The first day was enraging. One look at the wall-to-wall carpeting, fireplace in the library, and kitchen with organic produce made me think that equality will never be possible as long as a portion of the population are educated like royalty.”
When asked to complete an assignment at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, LoGiudice jumped at the chance to channel her rage. Mary Poppins became a principal and her proper demeanor was a natural straight man to the chaos around her. The response was so positive LoGiudice expanded it into this series in two parts, focusing on the very rich and the very poor.
“I was inspired by Margaret Bourke-White’s photos during the Great Depression. She focused on the wealth gap and got some flack for that. But class cuts across so many lines of gender, race, sexuality …. That’s simply my opinion.”
As LoGiudice is releasing these videos she’s encouraging her followers to share their own stories.
Which is really her point. When are you going to share yours?
Mary Poppins TAKES ON U.S. Education is appearing daily for the next two weeks on LoGiudice’s Instagram channel @laurenlogi
About the creator:
Lauren LoGiudice is an actor, comedian and character chameleon based in NYC. In addition to her TV and film work (Veep, When Harry Tries to Marry), she creates original work through solo plays, standup comedy, and sketch comedy characters. Her solo shows include Queens Girl, which toured worldwide, and Garbo Dreams, a site-specific play about Greta Garbo. Lauren’s work has been featured by The New York Times, McSweeney’s, BBC, Roma C’e’, Bust Magazine, and NY1, among others. MothStorySLAM Champ. @laurenlogi.
